An ordinance imposing a six month moratorium on the issuing of licenses for adult businesses and businesses selling or displaying drug paraphernalia was passed at a special meeting Friday by the Parkville Board of Aldermen.

“Recently we have had a discussion about needing to update the current ordinance,” said Sean Ackerson, assistant city administrator for the City of Parkville, in an interview with The Landmark.

“There have been discussions about the potential for local business that would sell the sexually explicit material and drug paraphernalia. In reviewing our ordinance we realized we weren't familiar at all with what we had done in 1994, whether it is still relevant, appropriate, and in the best interest of the public.”

Ackderson said Parkville has not received any applications from businesses selling this type of material, but there has been discussion about the possibility of it being proposed.

“We want to be sure that we are prepared if we do. Nobody wants to be behind the eight ball after the fact,” Ackerson added.

“The ordinance imposes a six month moratorium on two primary issuances of business licenses for businesses selling, displaying, or renting of goods that are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities and businesses selling drug paraphernalia or modification of any existing license to allow the same,” stated Ackerson.

The ordinance sets forth certain restrictions which were prepared by Jack Campbell, the city attorney of Parkville.

“The ordinance defines the restrictions, generally restricting the sale, display or renting of the goods to 1% of the gross floor space devoted to that purpose or 1% of the retail floor space devoted to that purpose of 1% of the gross sales derived for the sexually explicit materials and would prohibit the sale or display of drug paraphernalia for the six month period,” Ackerson said.

According to the bill, the city has regulations that address the licensing and regulation of adult businesses, but it has been more than 16 years since city officials have last reviewed the regulations of adult businesses. The city, however, currently lacks local regulations on the sale and display of drug paraphernalia.

According to the bill, the passing of the moratorium would allow the city administrator and city attorney sufficient time to study the current restrictions and to report back to the board their recommendations for any modifications or updates.

Just last week in Parkville, Smoke N Mirrors, a tobacco, cigar and cigarette shop, opened up in downtown Parkville. The grand opening was Friday, which was the same day the board both called and then held a special meeting to pass the six month moratorium.

Jim McGeorge, an employee at Smoke N Mirrors in Gladstone, stated the now-operating location in Parkville is the store’s third location.